Why I Decided to Donate and Contribute to These Causes
How It All Began…
It’s funny how some ideas come about. For me, it all started with a Christmas present from my sister, a beginner bead kit. I started making jewellery and experimenting with different designs just for fun. One thing led to another (and probably a glass or two of wine around the table with my family!) and before I knew it, The Bead Idea was born!
Another Hard Year
Fast forward to 2023, and life had taken a very different turn. I’d experienced two miscarriages and was on my third pregnancy, which was high risk. At 29 weeks my waters broke, and I found myself in and out of hospital (that’s a whole other story for another time!)
Eventually, I had to have an emergency C-section, and my baby boy arrived seven weeks premature. What should have been the happiest moment of my life was instead filled with trauma. The hospital stay, the birth, and everything afterwards left me with postnatal depression and PTSD.
I felt so lost and isolated, trying to be strong and put on this front. I didn’t know anyone who had been through what I had, let alone how to navigate life with a premature baby. I kept getting full term baby advice and no one understood how different it is (I’ve been around a lot of full term babies so I had an idea)
Finding Support Through Miracle Moon & The Smallest Things
Somehow, I don’t even remember how exactly, I came across @Miracle Moon on Instagram. Everything just clicked! Their posts seemed to put into words everything I couldn’t express myself. I felt validated and heard in a way I hadn’t before. The free health anxiety book, the resources, and the signposting made such a difference. I resonated with so much. I even ended up accessing EMDR therapy through the NHS, something I discovered because of them.
Not long after, I came across @The Smallest Things Charity. Again, I saw my own feelings and experiences reflected in so many of the stories. Their support and the way they openly shared the reality of life after NICU was refreshing and healing.
I was also very lucky to have an amazing Health Visitor, Hannah, who was honestly a godsend! She had been a NICU nurse previously so completely understood and with all the questions and anxiety I constantly had, she was so helpful and nurturing.
From Wreaths to Giving Back
Last year, I started making my wreaths, though I was still processing so much of what I’d been through. This year, however, I feel more supported, more connected, and part of an amazing NICU and premature baby community. Because of that, I thought, why not give something back?
That’s why I’ve decided to give back! £1 from every wreath sold will be equally split between Miracle Moon and The Smallest Things Charity. It’s my way of saying thank you to both for the incredible impact they’ve had on my journey and helped me through some of the hardest moments of my life.
How You Can Support
✨ Purchase a Wreath – Every wreath sold gives £1 back to the organisations who support premature baby and NICU families like me.
✨ Share My Story – You never know who might need to read this today. Sharing is caring!
✨ Follow Along – Join me on @thebeadidea to see new wreaths and updates on this journey.
Thank You!
Thank you for reading my story, for sharing it, and for supporting these incredible causes.
When you buy one of my wreaths, you’re not just getting something beautifully handmade for your home, you’re helping other families on difficult journeys to find the support they need, just like I did.
Kind regards and Sparkles,
Billie x X x
